Device for detecting rail movement

ABSTRACT

The invention concerns a device for retaining a motion sensor consisting of a transmitter ( 2 ) and a receiver ( 3 ). The transmitter ( 2 ) and the receiver ( 3 ) are form-closed on the structural element ( 1 ) respectively by means of a housing ( 20, 30 ) and a retaining element ( 21 ) corresponding to the housing ( 20, 30 ) and connected thereto by a screw connection ( 22 ). Therefor, the housing ( 20, 30 ) and the retaining element ( 21 ) form a clamping connection with the structural element ( 1 ), the housing ( 20, 30 ) comprising a clamping element ( 23 ) in operative connection with the structural element ( 1 ).

The invention relates to a device for a transmitter and for a receiverfor detecting various deformation states of a component that,independently of each other, are arranged on the component at a distancefrom each other by means of a receptacle.

A deformation sensor is already known from international application WO01/18487 A1 in which a transmitter and a receiver for measuringdeformation states are arranged together on a plate. Here, the plate isattached to a component by means of at least one clamping element,whereby the clamping element has two pointed or round contact parts andat least one bore corresponding to the plate.

The invention is based on the objective of configuring and arranging aholding device for a transmitter-receiver unit in such a way that simpleand precise assembly is ensured.

This objective is achieved according to the invention in that thetransmitter is arranged on a first holding part by means of a firstreceptacle and the receiver is arranged on a second holding part bymeans of a second receptacle, whereby, together with the component, eachreceptacle and each holding part form one or more connecting elements orone or more clamped and positive-fit joints or a glued joint or a weldedjoint. In this manner, the transmitter and the receiver are arranged onthe component independently of each other, whereby the receptacle servessimultaneously as part of the clamped joint for the transmitter and thereceiver. By integrating the receptacle into the clamping device, duringthe clamping procedure, the receptacle is deformed, thus causing anadjustment of the transmitter or the receiver. The independence of thetransmitter and receiver receptacle or holding part ensures that thecomponent absorbs the deformation in a manner that is free ofinfluences. Neither the transmitter nor the receiver absorb a force thatis generated by the deformation of the component.

For this purpose, it is also advantageous for the receptacle and theholding part to have a corresponding fit, whereby this fit is configuredas a groove-and-tongue joint and/or as a location pin. Thanks to thefit, the assembly effort or the adjustment effort of the receptacle onthe holding part is reduced to a minimum.

Moreover, it is advantageous for the receptacle to be configured as alug and to be connected to the holding part by means of a pin jointand/or a bolted joint, whereby the receptacle and/or the holding parthas a clamping element that is configured as a bolt, a screw and/or acam and that interacts with the component. Through the use of anadditional clamping element, the receptacle can be attached to theholding part independently of the clamped joint. By means of theindependent clamping element, the receptacle can be moved together withthe holding part relative to the component, without the connectionbetween the receptacle and the holding part having to be severed.

It is of special significance for the present invention for thereceptacle to have a holding element for the transmitter and/or thereceiver, whereby the holding element is configured as a bore and has afastening element configured as a cap nut for the transmitter and/or thereceiver. The configuration as a precision bore ensures an optimalprotection for the transmitter or the receiver which, if the bore issufficiently long, can be inserted into the bore and sunk there.

It is also advantageous for the first receptacle for the transmitter andthe second receptacle for the receiver to have at least onecorresponding adjustment surface that can be joined using an assemblydevice, whereby the adjustment surface is configured as a groove, a boreand/or a bevel and the assembly device has adjustment elements such as atongue or a pin that correspond to the adjustment surface. In thismanner, a transmitter receptacle and a receiver receptacle can bealigned relative to each other in a simple manner. The assembly devicecan be used for any receptacles and does not have to stay on the device.

Moreover, it is advantageous for there to be several receptacles withina measuring area of the component, whereby the receivers are inoperative connection via an evaluation unit.

An additional possibility according to another embodiment is for thereto be several transmitter-receiver pairs arranged on opposite sides ofthe component. When the device is used for measuring rail systems, thetransmitter and the receiver are positioned on opposite sides of therail, that is to say, on the right-hand and left-hand sides of the railrelative to the longitudinal axis of the rail, and they extend along arail section between 3 m and 30 m that is to be measured.

Finally, it is advantageous for a measuring current generated by thereceiver to be transformed into a measuring voltage inside theevaluation unit, and the angular change between the transmitter and thereceiver upon which the voltage change is based is determined accordingto the following formula:$\frac{U_{1} - U_{2}}{U_{1} + U_{2}} = {\Delta\quad\alpha_{1}}$In this context, it is advantageous for the load forces F_(Q), F_(Y)upon which the deformation of the component is based to be determined ata right angle to the longitudinal direction of the component accordingto the following formula: $\begin{matrix}{F_{Q} = \frac{{\Delta\quad\alpha_{1}} + {\Delta\quad\alpha_{2}}}{2}} \\{F_{Y} = \frac{{\Delta\quad\alpha_{1}} - {\Delta\quad\alpha_{2}}}{{\Delta\quad\alpha_{1}} + {\Delta\quad\alpha_{2}}}}\end{matrix}$wherein F_(Q) stands for the force in the direction of the vertical andF_(Y) stands for the force running at a right angle thereto, and α₁, α₂stand for the angular change of at least two differenttransmitter-receiver pairs that are arranged on one side of and/oropposite to the component relative to the Y-direction.

For this purpose, it is also advantageous for the deformation ΔX of thecomponent to be proportional to the detected angular change Δα and forit to be detected as a function of the component length L, whereby thesurface area of a deformation graph “X over L” determined in this manneris normalized through a mean value formation ΔX′ of all of thedeformation graphs upon which one load cycle is based, and the ratio ofthe deformation ΔX to the normalized deformation ΔX′ is calculated. Forthe normalization, all of the deformation graphs corresponding to anormal load are averaged. The graphs diverging from a normal deformationare not taken into account since these distort the overall result of themean load graph. Thus, all variables such as temperature, rail bedcondition, material condition and basic load of the component areeliminated so as to ensure that the deformation of the component isrepresented so as to correspond to the basic load.

Finally, it is advantageous for the connecting element to consist of theholding part that can be placed underneath the rail foot and of areceiving part arranged thereupon so as to be height-adjustable and madeup of two legs, whereby at least two screws can be screwed into the oneleg, whereby the one screw can be placed against the component or therail foot, and the other screw part creates a fixed connection betweenthe holding part and the component or the rail, whereby the second legcan be pressed against the holding part by means of at least one screw.

Additional advantages and details of the invention are explained in thepatent claims and in the description and they are depicted in thefigures. The following is shown:

FIG. 1 a a schematic representation of a rail with a transmitter and areceiver;

FIG. 1 b a schematic representation of the rail with atransmitter-receiver unit;

FIG. 2 a schematic representation of a cross section of the rail with areceptacle and a holding part;

FIG. 3 a schematic representation of the rail with the receptacle and anassembly device;

FIG. 4 a a schematic representation of the rail with the transmitter,the receiver and a measuring beam;

FIG. 4 b a schematic representation of the transmitter and of thereceiver with a neutral measuring beam;

FIG. 4 c a schematic representation of the transmitter and of thereceiver with a deflected measuring beam;

FIG. 4 d a schematic representation of the transmitter and of thereceiver in a side view with a deflected measuring beam;

FIG. 5 the receiver with a current tap and part of the evaluation unit;

FIG. 6 a schematic representation of the rail in a cross section withreceivers arranged opposite and with a deflected measuring beam;

FIG. 7 a measuring graph of two wheels depicting approaching andleaving;

FIG. 8 a schematic representation of a rail bed with severaltransmitter-receiver units and two detection switch pairs;

FIG. 9 a 1 a measuring graph of a bending line between two railroad tiesover the time t;

FIG. 9 a 2 a measuring graph of a bending line between two railroad tiesover the path s;

FIG. 9 b 1 a measuring graph of a bending line between two railroad tiesover the path s with a flat section;

FIG. 9 b 2 a correction graph for a bending line between two railroadties over the path s;

FIG. 9 c 1 a correction graph for several sensing points over the paths;

FIG. 9 c 2 a measuring graph of several sensing points over the path s;

FIG. 9 d a representation of the relationship between the measuringgraph and the correction graph over the path s;

FIG. 9 e 1 a representation of a plotting of the wheel through a loadplateau;

FIG. 9 e 2 a representation of a polygon of the wheel through a loaddiagram;

FIG. 9 e 3 a representation of an out-of-roundness of the wheel througha load diagram;

FIG. 9 e 4 a representation of a flat section of the wheel through aload diagram.

FIG. 1 a shows a side view of a railroad rail 70 with a rail head 71 anda rail foot 72. A load force F of a wheel 73 of a passenger or freighttrain (not shown here) acts upon the rail 70. Here, the force F isintroduced into the rail at the point P. Through the points P1 and P2 orthe railroad ties 75, 75′, the force F is dissipated in the form of asurface compression into the substrate 76, 76′ or into the rail bed,shown in an idealized manner. Due to the load F, a deformation of therail 70 and of the elastic rail bed occurs which is picked up by meansof a transmitter 2 and a receiver 3.

Here, the transmitter 2 or the receiver 3 is provided in a firstreceptacle 20 or in a second receptacle 30, respectively, that arearranged on the rail foot 72 of the rail 70 by means of a first holdingpart 21 or by means of a second holding part 31. Here, the firstreceptacle 20 or the second receptacle 30 will follow the deformation ofthe rail 70 or the deformation of the rail foot 72 caused by the load Fand will thus pick up the deformation cycle. In order to pick up thedeformation cycle, no force is transmitted between the transmitter 2 orthe first receptacle 20 and the receiver 3 or the second receptacle 30,so that the deformation cycle is determined in a manner that isloss-free or influence-free.

According to FIG. 1 b, a uniform transmitter-receiver unit 32 isarranged in the area of the rail foot 72. Here, the transmitter-receiverunit 32 can be configured as a resistance strain gauge and/or as awaveguide that is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the rail.

FIG. 1 c shows two transmitter-receiver units 32, 32′ arranged oppositefrom each other relative to the longitudinal direction of the rail 70.The attachment is once again on the appertaining rail foot 72 or 72′.The appertaining transmitter-receiver unit 32 is provided over theentire length between the railroad tie 75 and the railroad tie 75′.

In FIG. 2, the first receptacle 20 for the transmitter 2 or for thereceiver 3 is arranged on the rail foot 72 of the rail 70. For thispurpose, the first receptacle 20 has a screwed joint 22 with a firstholding part 21. In addition to the screwed joint 22, the firstreceptacle 20 with the first holding part 21 has a fit 40 consisting ofa tongue 42 of the first receptacle 20 and a groove 41 of the firstholding part 21. The screwed joint 22 presses the tongue 42 into thegroove 41 so that a positive-fit joint is ensured between the firstreceptacle 20 and the first holding part 21.

The first receptacle 20 is configured so as to be essentially L-shapedand it has a first leg 20.1 and a second leg 20.2. Between the secondleg 20.2 and the first holding part 21, the fit 40 is provided with thetongue 42 and the groove 41. The tongue 42 is arranged on the second leg20.2 of the first receptacle 20 and the groove 41 is arranged on thefirst holding part 21. Thanks to the fit 40, in addition to the screwedjoint 22, a positive-fit joint is ensured between the first receptacle20 and the first holding part 21.

The connecting element can consist of the holding part that can beplaced underneath the rail foot and of a receiving part made up of twolegs and arranged thereupon so as to be height-adjustable, whereby atleast two screws can be screwed into the one leg, whereby the one screwcan be placed against the component or the rail foot, and the otherscrew part creates a fixed connection between the holding part and thecomponent or the rail, whereby the second leg can be pressed against theholding part by means of at least one screw.

The first leg 20.1 of the first receptacle 20 has a holding element 24configured as a bore that serves to receive the transmitter 2 or thereceiver 3. In order to secure the transmitter 2 or the receiver 3,there is a fastening element (not shown here) configured as a cap nutthat is arranged on the front of the transmitter or of the receiver. Thescrewed joint 22 passes through the first leg 20.1 and engages a thread21.1 of the first holding part 21.

In addition to the screwed joint 22 and the fit 40, there is a clampingelement 23 that is connected to the rail foot 72 by means of a thread23.1. Consequently, the clamping element 23, which is configured as ascrew, braces the first receptacle 20 against the rail foot 72 by meansof the first holding part 21. The fit 40 ensures a clear-cut positioningof the second leg 20.2 relative to the first holding part 21. Due to thepretensioning force of the clamping element 23, a bending force isintroduced into the second leg 20.2 that leads to a deformation and thusto an adjustment of the holding element 24 for the transmitter 2 and/orthe receiver 3.

On the opposite side of the rail 70, the first holding part 21 has asecond groove 41′ that serves to secure another receptacle (not shownhere).

According to FIG. 3, the first receptacle 20 and the first holding part21 are provided in the area of the rail foot 72. In addition to thefirst holding part 21, there is a second holding part 31 that serves toreceive the second receptacle 30 for the receiver 3. There is anassembly device 51 for assembling the first receptacle 20 or the secondreceptacle 30. The assembly device 51 has adjustment elements 52, 52′that can be joined to an adjustment surface 50 of the first holding part21 and to an adjustment surface 50′ of the second holding part 31. Theadjustment elements 52, 52′ are configured so as to be pin-shaped andthey engage the adjustment surfaces 50 and 50′ that are configured asbores.

According to FIG. 3, the adjustment surface 50 and the adjustmentsurface 50′ are provided on the bottom of the first holding part 21 andof the second holding part 31, respectively. It is also possible toarrange the adjustment surfaces 50, 50′ on another side surface of thereceptacle 20 and/or of the holding part 21.

The schematic representation according to FIG. 4 a shows a rail 70 withthe two railroad ties 75, 75′ as well as a transmitter 2 and a receiver3. The transmitter 2 and the receiver 3 are arranged on the rail 70 bymeans of a first receptacle 20 or a second receptacle 30. When the railis not yet loaded, the measuring beam 4 emitted by the transmitter 2strikes approximately in the middle of the receiver 3 or else on areceiver surface that is not shown here. According to FIG. 4 b, themeasuring beam 4 strikes the place E1 of the receiver 3 that representsthe zero point. No measuring signal is generated.

In FIG. 4 c, a load F1 causes a deformation of the rail 70. As a result,the transmitter 2 and the receiver 3 are rotated in their relativeposition corresponding to the bending of the rail 70 by an angle ad1with respect to each other. The measuring beam 4 then strikes thereceiver 3 at a place E2 that is at a distance ds1 from the point E1. Inthis manner, a measuring signal is generated that corresponds to thedistance between the point E1 and the point E2 on the receiver 3 or on areceiver surface 3.1.

The distance that is designated as ds1 in FIG. 4 d is proportional tothe angular change da1 and thus proportional to the force change df1between a resting position according to FIG. 4 a and the load stateaccording to FIG. 4 c.

FIG. 5 shows the position change of the measuring beam 4 from E1 to E2on the receiver 3 or its receiver surface 3.1. This position changegenerates a measuring current I1 or I2 that is transformed into ameasuring voltage U1 or U2 by the evaluation unit 60. The angular changeda1 that is proportional to the deformation or to the force applicationis calculated according to the following formula:$\frac{U_{1} - U_{2}}{U_{1} + U_{2}} = {{\Delta\quad\alpha_{1}} = {{\Delta\quad S_{1}} = {\Delta\quad F_{1}}}}$

According to FIG. 6, a normal force F_(Q) on the one hand and atransverse force F_(Y) is generated by a rolling wheel 73, whereby F_(Y)runs at a right angle to F_(Q) as well as at a right angle to thelongitudinal axis of the rail 70. In order to detect both transverseforces F_(Q) and F_(Y), there is a need for two transmitter-receiverunits 32, 32′, each having a receiver 3, 3′, that are positioned onopposite sides relative to the rail 70. Accordingly, F_(Q) and F_(Y) arecalculated according to the following formulas: $\begin{matrix}{F_{Q} = \frac{{\Delta\quad\alpha_{1}} + {\Delta\quad\alpha_{2}}}{2}} \\{F_{Y} = \frac{{\Delta\quad\alpha_{1}} - {\Delta\quad\alpha_{2}}}{{\Delta\quad\alpha_{1}} + {\Delta\quad\alpha_{2}}}}\end{matrix}$

FIG. 7 shows the measuring signal of a double load cycle. Before thesensing point is reached, the wheel load relieves the rail 70 in thearea of the sensing point, since the adjacent rail section is beingloaded. The measuring signal has a signal drop L1. Once the sensingpoint is reached, the measuring signal jumps to a first maximum M1analogously to the load at the sensing point and, after the first wheelhas passed, this measuring signal drops again. Subsequently, themeasuring signal rises again to a second maximum value M2 when thesecond wheel passes. After the passage of the second wheel, the signaldrops once again analogously to the situation when the wheel isapproaching.

FIG. 8 shows the rail bed depicted schematically from above, with arailroad tie 75 and a pair of rails 70, 70′. Relative to the directionof travel of the train, to the left of the transmitter-receiver unit 32or 32′, there is a digital or analog detection switch 80 followed by sixtransmitter-receiver units 32 on each side of the rail. Thetransmitter-receiver units 32 here are arranged alternately on theinside and on the outside of the rail 70. As an alternative, these canbe arranged either only on the inside or only on the outside.Subsequently, there is another detection switch 81′. By means of thedetection switch 81, 81′, the speed of the train, the number and therelative position of the wheels can be determined and the measuringsegment can be activated or deactivated.

The measuring graph G shown in FIG. 9 a 1, which was determined betweentwo railroad ties 75, 75′ or between the middle of the two railroad ties75, 75′, is divided according to FIG. 9 a 2 into five specific measuringpoints. The specific measuring points P3 to P7 serve for the furthersignal processing or correlation with a correction graph according toFIG. 9 b 2.

FIG. 9 b 1 shows a measuring graph G with a first relative maximum R1and a second relative maximum R2. These relative maxima are generateddue to a flat section of the wheel and the associated alternating loadof the rail. The flat section leads to a brief drop in the load and thusto a relative minimum F of the graph G.

In order to obtain an independent comparison graph or correction graphK, a correction graph K is determined from all graphs showing a goodwheel and this graph K is shown in FIG. 9 b 2. The correction graph K islike an average load cycle of a perfect wheel per sensor and per trainpassage and thus has neither relative maxima nor relative minima.

FIG. 9 c 1 shows the series of all correction graphs K1 to K6 of sixconsecutive sensing points. The sensing points here cover a rail sectionof about 3.60 meters. This length corresponds to at least one wheelcircumference. The measuring segments overlap each other here by 100 mmtowards each side, thus ensuring a seamless detection of the load overthe entire rail section. FIG. 9 c 2 shows the normal load graphs N1 toN6 for each sensing point 1 to 6 generated by the wheel load cycles. Foreach normal load graph N, approximately ⅙ of the wheel circumference isshown here. Accordingly, the first half of the measured wheel has a flatsection F that, according to FIG. 9 b 1, follows a plotted curve A.

FIG. 9 d shows the ratio of the normal load graph N to the correctiongraph K for a wheel circumference as a load plateau, said ratio ensuringa percentage representation of the rail load with reference to the basicload. Here, the normal load graph N according to FIG. 9 e is thenormalized mean value of all measuring graphs G of a train passage.Irregularities of each wheel or of the measuring graph G are retainedhere. The normal load graph N and the reciprocal value of the correctiongraph K are superimposed here as shown in FIG. 9 e and they have ashared mirror value S, by means of which the ratio shown in FIG. 9 d isdetermined according to the following formula:$Q = \frac{S - N}{\frac{1}{K} - S}$

According to FIG. 9 f, specific wheel flaws per wheel rotation can berecognized on the basis of the generated measuring graphs. According toFIG. 9 e 1, this is a plotting on the wheel that first generates anoverload. The graph according to FIG. 9 e 2 shows relativelyhigh-frequency, symmetrical load changes that point towards polygons.FIG. 9 e 3 shows a typical signal of an out-of-roundness of the wheelthat leads to a symmetrical graph of a low-frequency type. FIG. 9 e 4shows a typical flat section of the wheel that first generates a loaddrop and subsequently an overload.

List of Reference Numerals

-   -   1 component    -   2 transmitter    -   3 receiver    -   3′ receiver    -   3.1 receiver    -   4 measuring beam    -   11 opposite side    -   12 opposite side    -   20 first receptacle    -   20.1 first leg    -   20.2 second leg    -   21 first holding part    -   21.1 thread    -   22 screwed joint    -   23 clamping element    -   23.1 thread    -   24 holding element    -   30 second receptacle    -   31 second holding part    -   32 transmitter-receiver unit    -   32′ transmitter-receiver unit    -   40 fit    -   41 groove    -   41′ groove    -   42 tongue    -   50 adjustment surface    -   50′ adjustment surface    -   51 assembly device    -   52 adjustment element    -   52′ adjustment element    -   60 evaluation unit    -   70 rail    -   70′ rail    -   71 rail head    -   72 rail head    -   72′ rail foot    -   73 rail foot    -   75 railroad tie, support    -   75′ railroad tie, support    -   80 detection switch    -   80′ detection switch    -   81 detection switch    -   81′ detection switch

1-16. (cancelled)
 17. A device for holding a transmitter and a receiverfor detecting a deformation state of a component, the device comprising:a first holding part; a first receptacle, the transmitter being disposedon the first holding part via the first receptacle, wherein the firstreceptacle and the first holding part, together with the component, format least one of a first connecting element, a first clamp, a firstpositive fit joint, a first glued joint, and a first welded joint; asecond holding part; and a second receptacle, the receiver is beingdisposed on the second holding part via the second receptacle, whereinthe second receptacle and the second holding part, together with thecomponent, form at least one of a second connecting element, a secondclamp, a second positive fit joint, a second glued joint, and a secondwelded joint.
 18. A device for detecting a deformation state of arailroad rail, the device comprising: a deformation sensor disposed onthe railroad rail, wherein the deformation sensor is arranged directlyon a foot of the rail in a longitudinal direction of the railroad rail.19. The device as recited in claim 17, wherein the first receptacle isconnected to the first holding part via a first fit and the secondreceptacle is connected to the second holding part via a second fit. 20.The device as recited in claim 17, wherein each of the fist and secondfits are configured as at least one a groove-and-tongue joint and alocation pin.
 21. The device as recited in claim 17, further comprisingat least one of a pin joint and a bolted joint, and wherein each of thefirst and second receptacles includes a lug and is connected to therespective holding part using the at least one of the pin joint and thebolted joint.
 22. The device as recited in claim 17, wherein at leastone of the first receptacle and the first holding part includes aclamping element in operative connection with the component.
 23. Thedevice as recited in claim 22, wherein the clamping element includes atleast one of a bolt, a screw and a cam.
 24. The device as recited inclaim 22, wherein at least one of the first and second receptaclesincludes a holding element configured to hold one of the transmitter andthe receiver.
 25. The device as recited in claim 23, wherein the holdingelement includes a bore and a fastening element including a cap screw.26. The device as recited in claim 17, further comprising an assemblydevice and wherein the first receptacle and the second receptacle eachhave at least one corresponding adjustment surface joined to one anotherusing the assembly device.
 27. The device as recited in claim 26,wherein the adjustment surface is configured as one of a groove, a boreand a bevel, and wherein the assembly device includes adjustmentelements, each corresponding to one of the adjustment surfaces.
 28. Thedevice as recited in claim 26, further comprising an evaluation unit,wherein the component includes a measuring area and wherein the secondreceptacle is disposed in the measuring area and is in operativeconnection with the evaluation unit.
 29. The device as recited in claim28, further comprising a further transmitter in operative connectionwith a further receiver, the further transmitter and further receiverbeing disposed on an opposite side of the component from the receiverand the transmitter.
 30. A method for measuring the deformation of acomponent using the device of claim 29, the method comprising:generating a measuring current by the receiver; transforming themeasuring current into a measuring voltage inside the evaluation unit;determining an angular change between the transmitter and the receiveraccording to the following formula:$\frac{U_{1} - U_{2}}{U_{1} + U_{2}} = {\Delta\quad\alpha_{1}}$determining a load force F_(Q) in a vertical direction and a load forceF_(Y) in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, thedeformation state of the component in the being based on the load forcesF_(Q) and F_(Y), the determining of the load forces being performedbased on the following formulae: $\begin{matrix}{F_{Q} = \frac{{\Delta\quad\alpha_{1}} + {\Delta\quad\alpha_{2}}}{2}} \\{F_{Y} = \frac{{\Delta\quad\alpha_{1}} - {\Delta\quad\alpha_{2}}}{{\Delta\quad\alpha_{1}} + {\Delta\quad\alpha_{2}}}}\end{matrix}$ wherein α₁ is the angular change between the transmitterand the receiver and α₂ is the angular change between the furthertransmitter and the further receiver.
 31. The method as recited in claim30, further comprising: detecting a deformation ΔX of the component as afunction of a length L of the component, the deformation ΔX beingproportional to the detected angular change Δα; determining a mean valueformation ΔX′ from a plurality of deformation graphs of a load cycle;normalizing a deformation graph “X over L” using the mean valueformation ΔX′; and calculating a ratio of the deformation ΔX to thenormalized deformation ΔX′.
 32. The device as recited in claim 16,wherein the component is a rail, the first and second holding parts aredisposed underneath a foot of the rail, and the first and secondreceiving receptacles are disposed holding part in a height-adjustablemanner, wherein each of the first and second connecting elements isformed by a respective one of the first and second holding parts and bya respective one of the first and second receiving receptacles, andwherein the receiving receptacle includes a first leg, a second leg, anda first screw and a second screw passing through the first leg, thefirst screw being disposed against the rail foot and the second screwproviding a fixed connection between the holding part and the rail andpressing the second leg against the holding part.